M.A.I.L. (Maille Artisans International League) is an international community of artisans and volunteers dedicated to the advancement of the chainmaille artform. We aim to encourage the sharing and spreading of information, archiving as many techniques and weaves as possible.

So I'm not sure where exactly a question like this would belong, but I was wondering if anyone had a sense of anywhere where there would be any good metalworking classes over the summer.

essentially, my school is granting money to a few students who have interests that they want to pursue, and so I was hoping to study metalworking. I've done a good bit of independent research, and found that many courses are being taught either over long periods of time or as week long courses in the fall/spring, which aren't exactly suitable for me. I was hoping to maybe do a jewelry making course, or a general blacksmithing course, perhaps bladesmithing. also, do there tend to be age limits to these courses? I'll be 17 by the summer, but does there tend to be a minimum age requirement?

I have no idea where you're at, or about other parts of the country, but Austin Community College in Austin, TX has a great metals program that even has 8-week long classes that run through the summers. Here're some links to the summer class schedules at ACC, to maybe give you an idea of what to look for in your area:

I just graduated from ACC with my Associates in Applied Science in Jewelry. Not very many junior colleges offer jewelry though, so it's sort of hit or miss as to whether or not you can find the kind of education you're looking for at your local junior college.

Age limits depend on the school/class you're attending. 16 is usually sufficient from my observations.

For this class you wish to attend, do you intend to travel for it or does it need to be close by? If distance is an issue, you really need to tell us where you're from, the state (if in the US) at the very least. Better details will help us to give you more useful information.

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